Dear UJ community,
With the global information ecosystem changing rapidly due to advancements in digital technologies, more and more people now have instantaneous access to information. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have changed how messages are crafted, shared, and received. These changes come with untended consequences, including the spread of misinformation and disinformation. More now than ever, it is difficult to discern between what is real and what is not, and the implications of this are profound.
UJ Library hosts a roundtable discussion on Fake News
To highlight the dangers of the spread of misinformation and disinformation, UJ Library, in collaboration with Higher Education Media Services, hosted a roundtable discussion this past Monday. Titled Speaking the Truth by Understanding the Untruth: Addressing Fake News and Disinformation in South Africa and the African Continent, the roundtable featured journalism and media practitioners from the Press Council of South Africa, the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef), the Henry Nxumalo Foundation and the University of Mauritius. Our very own Professor Admire Mare (Head of Communications and Media) and Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede (Senior Director: Division for Global Engagement) were also among the participants, along with senior journalists and authors from the African continent. As I highlighted during my opening remarks, disinformation and misinformation campaigns have fuelled violence, supported coups, and even undermined elections, leaving mostly conflict-ridden and authoritarian-leaning nations at risk. To read more about this, click here.
Reflections on Africa’s land question and Kenya’s choices
Also on Monday, the Faculty of Law hosted a distinguished public lecture on the contentious and emotive question of land in Africa. The lecture explored the successes, failures, and ongoing challenges of land reform in post-independence Africa, focusing on the Kenyan and South African experiences. Additionally, it provided thought leadership on policy, governance, and historical redress through the lens of law. The event drew legal scholars, students, policymakers, civil society actors, media representatives, and members of the broader academic and African studies community. Professor Githu Muigai, former Attorney General of Kenya, constitutional law expert, author, and leading African jurist, delivered the main lecture, with Ms Bulelwa Mabaso (Director at Werksmans Attorneys and the Head of Land Reform in Dispute Resolution) and Professor Gustav Muller (Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria) sharing insights from a South African perspective.
Food Insecurity
As you would know, food security is essential to human dignity and survival. This past Friday, our university hosted a successful seminar on Food Insecurity and Nutrition Knowledge in High Education Institutions. The seminar was hosted by UJ Sport in collaboration with the Information Centre, Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI) and the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) and Lucky Star. Various speakers shared valuable insights into food inaccessibility research conducted in multiple universities, ways to alleviate hunger among students and the best ways to prepare nutritious meals. The focus was mainly on finding ways to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. I thank Lucky Star for presenting a R30,000 donation towards UJ’s Meal Assistance Programme. To read more about this, click here.
UJ China by Train
I recently led a UJ delegation to a few partner universities and institutions in China. On the sidelines of that trip, a cohort of UJ students embarked on a global innovation and entrepreneurship journey. The Innovation Start-Up Exchange Programme (ISUEP), also known as “China by Train”, is a pioneering initiative connecting South African and Chinese students through joint learning, skills exchange, and exposure to best entrepreneurship and start-up development practices. Inspired by UJ’s successful Africa by Bus Programme, this pilot programme strengthens international mobility and collaboration in the context of innovation and global engagement. The immersive experience took the students across Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, where they participated in academic sessions, engaged with industry leaders, and immersed themselves in Chinese culture and student life. To read more about this, click here.
UJ Arts Academy alumni win 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist awards
As the UJ community, we take immense pride in celebrating two exceptional alumni—Muneyi (Music) and Modise Sekgothe (Poetry)—on being named recipients of the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards. Both honed their craft through the UJ Arts Academy, a flagship UJ Arts & Culture programme. Their achievements highlight individual excellence and UJ’s commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and a holistic student experience. In addition, their recognition is aligned with our strategic goals, particularly our focus on a vibrant, student-centred learning environment. Through initiatives like the Arts Academy, we ensure that artistic expression remains integral to the UJ journey. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Muneyi and Modise. Their voices enrich our cultural heritage and inspire the next generation of UJ talent. Read more here.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
Please join me in congratulating the outstanding achievement of our young rugby talent, Alzeadon Felix (19), who has been named the FNB Varsity Cup Suzuki Rookie of the Year for the 2025 season. This prestigious award recognises Felix’s impactful performance as a dynamic playmaker for the UJ Senior Men’s Rugby Team throughout the tournament, where he featured in four of the seven fiercely contested fixtures. In addition, Felix receives a well-deserved cash prize of R4000.00. Meanwhile, the UJ sporting action continues this weekend as the men’s and women’s football teams compete in the highly anticipated Pirates Cup. The tournament will be held at the Wits Marks Park Sportsgrounds and Sturrock Park Stadium. The UJ men’s team enters the competition with the added pressure and pride of being the defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024. We wish both of our football teams the very best of luck.
Easter Long Weekend
Lastly, during the upcoming Easter Long Weekend, starting with Good Friday tomorrow, some of you will be travelling to various destinations, including pilgrimages to various churches. I wish everyone of you a safe and fulfilling journey. Take care!
Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time zone.
